Howe - Fletcher has a vital role to play

The role of loan player manager given to Carl Fletcher at Bournemouth is hugely important according to boss Eddie Howe.

The former Cherries skipper has been handed the role which means he will be in charge of all the players who are currently out on loan at various clubs and seeing that they make the right progression.

Fletcher, who previously coached the under-21s, will be in charge of the youngsters and because he is a former player at the Vitality Stadium, Howe says he will be able to add to the role.

Howe told the Echo: "It's a hugely important role – look how many players we have on loan now. Those players are an extension of us – we care about them, we want them to be happy in their environment, developing and getting everything they need from their loan experience.

Having someone who knows the club, understands football and has played at the highest level can only benefit those players so I think it's a massive role for us.

"It's something we needed to do as we look to get bigger and treat our players with the utmost importance.

"We had someone doing the role for us last season who did it very well but I think Carl will add a different spin on it, purely from having been a professional footballer and having moved clubs himself.

"I think he will understand how the player feels and what he needs."

This article originated on sportinastorm.com

Nick Harris is a long-standing journalist who specialises in football and rugby league. An avid golfer, Nick also follows the major boxing fights closely.

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